Performance-based contracting points

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The Information Technology Enterprise Solutions program marks the Army's first try at performance-based contracting.

Barbara Trujillo, contracting officer for the Army's IT E-Commerce and Commercial Contracting Center (ITEC4), oversaw the ITES contract awards. The center's officials supported the Army Small Computer Program during the ITES competition. ITEC4 administers IT contracts greater than $500 million for the Office of the Chief Information Officer, Network Enterprise Technology Command and Program Executive Office for Enterprise Information Systems. Army officials changed their acquisition strategy three months into the ITES requirements process because of industry pressure, Trujillo said. "Industry asked for performance-based contracting. So we listened to them," she said. Trujillo offered three simple tips all agencies can use when considering implementing performance-based contracting: 1. Listen to vendors. Firms know their business best. 2. Work with industry from the start. Agencies will buy their products and services. 3. Ask vendors for advice. Agencies should do the necessary research and ask questions.